criminal background

[Alexis W.]

I asked the same question in the renters forum. I am hoping to get landlords' perspective on this issue. my spouse has a felony where adjudication of guilt was withheld. theft in the workplace for a small amount but large enough to reach the felony threshold. It was so stupid; we fell out about it and then reconciled. This happened 2 years ago. Having owned a home for 9 years before hand, I had no idea how much this would be an issue until we relocated to a new city and had to find an apartment. Right now only my name is on the lease, but we are in a big complex. Rent paid on the first every month for the past 10 months but I want to move because this place was a quick move for a new job and we need something better.

What can I do to show that there we are good tenants? The word "felon" strikes fear in every property management company I deal with. I want to do things the right way and put both our names on the application but his background seems to be a huge barrier. As long as rent is paid on time and there are no hassles, do rental property owners really care about this? 

[Marcia Maynard]

Some do and some don't. I would suggest she learn how to talk about her legal history. If she were applying to rent from us, we would look for open and honest communication. She would need to demonstrate she has made full restitution for her crime. The adjudication documentation would be key. She would also need to demonstrate a clean rental history, credit history, and legal history... the longer the better. Depending upon what we perceive as our risk, we may require an additional security deposit.

You say you have been in your current residence for 10 months and you "want" to move because you "need" something better. Well, that would be a concern for us. Most landlords are looking for responsible long term tenants. You haven't even been in your current residence for a year; what other kind of rental history do you and she have? You would do better to stay put and build a longer positive rental history. Two years would not be bad, but five years or longer would be great.